Increased body weight affects academic performance in university students

Discriminating factors of body composition characteristics for academic performance in nursing college students: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Poor body composition may affect health status, and better body composition is often associated with better academic performance. Nursing students face heavy academic and practical pressures, and the relationship between body composition and academic performance in this group is not fully understood.

METHODS

This cross-sectional observational study used de-identified student data from a university of technology in southern Taiwan to analyze the correlation between body composition characteristics and academic performance using regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 275 nursing college students were divided into four groups according to academic performance. The group with the lowest academic performance had a lower percentage of body fat (P < 0.05) but a higher percentage of muscle mass (P < 0.05) than the other three groups. Academic performance was positively correlated with percentage of body fat (R = 0.16, P < 0.01) and body age (R = 0.41, P < 0.01), but was negatively correlated with percentage of muscle mass (R = - 0.16, P < 0.01). Percentage of body fat, visceral fat area, and body age were significant discriminators of academic performance (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between academic performance and body composition among nursing college students is not straightforward. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, students with higher academic performance tended to have a higher percentage of body fat and a lower percentage of muscle mass. Percentage of body fat, visceral fat area, and body age were significant discriminators of academic performance, indicating that body composition should be considered an important factor in nursing education and practice.

The Influence of Lifestyle on Academic Performance Among Health Profession Students at Umm Al-Qura University

Background and aim A healthy lifestyle is defined as a way of living that reduces the likelihood of severe illness or early death. Factors required for a healthy lifestyle, such as regular physical activity, better sleep patterns, improved dietary habits, probable caffeine consumption, and decreased feelings of anxiety, are generally assumed to be important for high academic performance. This study aims to investigate the correlation between a healthy lifestyle and academic success among health profession students at Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia. By doing so, we could potentially lead to the implementation of targeted interventions to support students in achieving their best academic potential. Methods This is an observational cross-sectional study conducted among health profession students at Umm Al-Qura University. An online questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic information and the impact of lifestyle characteristics on academic performance from October to November 2023. Data were analyzed using RStudio (R version 4.3.1). Results A total of 652 students participated in the study. The majority were between the ages of 18 and 25 years (97.2%, n=634). Females constituted the majority of the participants (69.9%, n=456). Regarding the field of study, the College of Medicine had the highest representation (52.9%, n=345). Regarding body mass index, the normal weight category was the most prevalent, encompassing 59.8% (n=390) of the participants. The results show that the participants generally had a good grade point average (GPA) in the range of 3.50 to 4.00. Also, the time spent on social media applications was not correlated with academic performance (P=0.575). Importantly, the majority of participants perceived that lifestyle habits impacted their academic performance. Conclusion This study found that unhealthy lifestyle factors, such as lack of physical activity, inadequate sleep, poor dietary choices, smoking, and mental health issues such as anxiety, have a negative impact on academic performance. Therefore, the dissemination of relevant knowledge is needed to promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle and raise students' awareness.

[Independence of the anthropometric profile, attention and intelligence in higher education students in the field of physical activity in Chile]

Introduction

Introduction: kinanthropometry is the current science that studies body parameters in relation to its functioning (such as body composition, proportionality, somatotype, etc.), with established norms, techniques and criteria. Objective: to relate anthropometric profile, attention and problem solving in higher education students in the field of physical activity in Chile. Method: quantitative-correlational approach, with non-experimental and cross-sectional design. Results: there is no significant relationship between body composition (body masses) and cognitive tests (attention and Raven). Regarding anthropometric data (body composition), no significant differences were observed between the sexes for any parameter. Conclusion: it can be deduced that the results of the cognitive factors may be associated with other variables, and not specifically with the variables that may affect anthropometric parameters. These are very interesting topics for future studies, so it is suggested to continue studying cognitive abilities with other variables.

Associations between health issues and food consumption with overweight and obesity in three university students minorities

Objective: To determine the presence of overweight and obesity among minorities, and the factors contributing to this weight disparity. Participants: The study comprises 3405 students including nonwhite, international, and first-generation college students. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey collected data on demographics, height, weight, self-health perception, overall sleep quality, progress in school, and food consumption. Three logistic regressions tested abnormal weight associations with health issues and food consumption. Results: Being 31 years-old or older, perception of health and consumption of ultra-processed food was significant with abnormal weight (BMI > 25). Only nonwhite and international students were correlated with ultra-processed and fast-food consumption respectively. Conclusion: Each minority presented vulnerabilities to high percentages of weights exceeding the appropriate rates of BMI. The high consumption of fast and ultra-processed foods makes it important to consider factors related to health perception in each minority group.

Adiponectin as a therapeutic target for diabetic foot ulcer

The global burden of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) is a significant public health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. These wounds cause considerable suffering and have a high economic cost. Therefore, there is a need for effective strategies to prevent and treat DFUs. One promising therapeutic approach is the use of adiponectin, a hormone primarily produced and secreted by adipose tissue. Adiponectin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic properties, and researchers have suggested its potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of DFUs. Studies have indicated that adiponectin can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, increase the production of vascular endothelial growth factor, a key mediator of angiogenesis, and inhibit the activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Additionally, adiponectin has been found to possess antioxidant properties and impact glucose metabolism, the immune system, extracellular matrix remodeling, and nerve function. The objective of this review is to summarize the current state of research on the potential role of adiponectin in the treatment of DFUs and to identify areas where further research is needed in order to fully understand the effects of adiponectin on DFUs and to establish its safety and efficacy as a treatment for DFUs in the clinical setting. This will provide a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of DFUs that can aid in the development of new and more effective treatment strategies.

Personalized versus generic digital weight loss interventions delivered on university campuses: a 6-month cost-benefit analysis

Cost-effectiveness analyses of weight loss programs for university students can inform administrator decision-making. This study quantifies and compares the costs and cost-effectiveness of implementing two digitally-delivered weight loss interventions designed for university populations. Healthy Body Healthy U (HBHU) was a randomized controlled trial comparing TAILORED (personalized) versus TARGETED (generic) weight loss interventions adapted specifically for young adults to a CONTROL intervention. Participants (N = 459; 23.3 ± 4.4 years; mean BMI 31.2 ± 4.4 kg/m2) were recruited from two universities. Implementation costs were examined from a payer (i.e., university) perspective, comparing both the average cost effectiveness ratio (ACER) and the incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the two interventions. Cost-effectiveness measures were calculated for changes in body weight, abdominal circumference, HDL cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and HbA1c. The overall 6-month implementation costs were $105.66 per person for the TAILORED intervention and $91.44 per person for the TARGETED intervention. The ACER for weight change was $107.82 for the TAILORED and $179.29 for the TARGETED interventions. The ICER comparing TAILORED with TARGETED for change in body weight was $5.05, and was even lower ($2.28) when including only those with overweight and not obesity. The ICERs for change in abdominal circumference, HDL cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and HbA1c were $3.49, $59.37, $1.57, $2.64, and $47.49, respectively. The TAILORED intervention was generally more cost-effective compared with the TARGETED intervention, particularly among those with overweight. Young adults with obesity may require more resource-intensive precision-based approaches.

The association between academic performance indicators and lifestyle behaviors among Kuwaiti college students

BACKGROUND

Lifestyle behaviors are developed during young adulthood and carried through life. Accordingly, early detection of unhealthy behaviors can help prevent the increase in non-communicable diseases in the population. College students are an especially vulnerable group who, upon entering a new environment, tend to engage in unhealthy behaviors.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims to evaluate the lifestyle behaviors of Kuwaiti college students and their association with markers of academic achievements.

METHODS

One thousand two hundred fifty-nine students participated in the present study and answered an online questionnaire pertaining to their sociodemographic status, academic performance indicators, body weight and height, and lifestyle behaviors. Data were collected from November 2020 to February 2021.

RESULTS

Results of the present study showed that obesity was significantly more prevalent among male participants than among females even though males were more physically active. Alternatively, females had a greater grade point average in college, slept more, and had more screen time. Interestingly, we were unable to detect a significant correlation between lifestyle behaviors and academic achievements.

CONCLUSION

The observed differences in body mass index between genders may have been attributed to energy intake rather than energy expenditure.

Effects of mental workload on manufacturing systems employees: A mediation causal model

BACKGROUND

Although some research has been done in the Mexican manufacturing industry regarding mental workload, none has explored its association with physical fatigue, body weight gain, and human error simultaneously.

OBJECTIVE

This research examines the association between mental workload and physical fatigue, body weight gain, and human error in employees from the Mexican manufacturing systems through a mediation analysis approach.

METHODS

A survey named Mental Workload Questionnaire was developed by merging the NASA-TLX with a questionnaire containing the mental workload variables mentioned above. The Mental Workload Questionnaire was applied to 167 participants in 63 manufacturing companies. In addition, the mental workload was used as an independent variable, while physical fatigue and body weight gain were mediator variables, and human error was a dependent variable. Six hypotheses were used to measure the relationships among variables and tested using the ordinary least squares regression algorithm.

RESULTS

Findings indicated that mental workload significantly correlates with physical fatigue and human error. Also, the mental workload had a significant total association with human error. The highest direct association with body weight gain was provided by physical fatigue, and body weight gain had an insignificant direct association with human error. Finally, all indirect associations were insignificant.

CONCLUSION

Mental workload directly affects human error, which physical fatigue does not; however, it does affect body weight gain. Managers should reduce their employees' mental workload and physical fatigue to avoid further problems associated with their health.

An International Study of Correlates of Women's Positive Body Image

Positive body image (PBI) has received attention in the recent research literature. Despite this, its role in daily functioning in different cultural contexts, particularly its potential relationship with academic outcomes, is still lacking. This study aimed to offer an international perspective on the association between PBI and body mass index (BMI), perceived academic achievement, and educational aspirations, as well as the mediating role of self-esteem. A cross-national study was conducted in eight European countries with a total of 2653 female university students. Participants completed an online survey measuring PBI (conceptualized as body appreciation), self-esteem, perceived academic achievement and aspirations, and body mass index (BMI). Results revealed differences in PBI between countries (low magnitude). PBI correlated negatively with BMI in all national groups (low-to-moderate magnitude). Mediation analysis showed that self-esteem mediated the association between PBI and academic variables. Findings from this study suggest that building students’ self-esteem and PBI can be a suitable way to boost academic success.

The Validity and Reliability of the FANTASTIC Questionnaire for Nutritional and Lifestyle Studies in University Students

The FANTASTIC questionnaire is a scientific instrument that can be used by health professionals for quickly and effectively measuring the quality of life and lifestyle of people. It is a simple questionnaire that measures different dimensions including nutritional status, but the possibility of using it as a resource for studies in the nutritional field (regardless of its correlation with this) has never been considered, nor has it been used for studies in university populations. The aim was to validate the FANTASTIC questionnaire to report on the participant’s lifestyle in a Spanish university population by using a cross-sectional study. A sample of 501 participants was obtained. The study was approved by the Ethics Research Committee of Catholic University of Valencia, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Sociodemographic, lifestyle variables, habitual diet, and nutrition-related lifestyle were collected individually. Participants also completed the self-administered FANTASTIC questionnaire. The reliability analysis of the FANTASTIC questionnaire revealed a Cronbach’s Alpha statistic result of 0.797. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) value was 0.786, with a significant Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity (p = 0.000). This shows that the FANTASTIC questionnaire has good internal consistency and good construct validity. A retest was performed in four weeks’ time, showing excellent intraclass correlation values. We consider the applicability of the FANTASTIC questionnaire for nutritional studies in Spanish university students to be appropriate, and most students have high scores in the nutritional aspects of the questionnaire, showing correct diet implementation and good cooking skills.

Self-perceptions of critical thinking skills in university students are associated with BMI and exercise

Objective: To assess the role of body mass index (BMI) and exercise levels in self-perception of critical thinking skills. Participants: Three hundred forty-seven students from an upper-division nutrition class over two consecutive years. Methods: A pre/post survey with a 15-week intervention assessed perceived critical thinking skills in a blended classroom. Results: Students gained in perceived critical thinking skills in six areas over the semester. A higher BMI was associated with decreased perception of one's ability to think logically, along with increased perception that memorization was the key to success. Those that exercised reported that they had strong critical thinking skills compared to those that exercised less frequently. Conclusions: A blended classroom approach was effective in increasing multiple areas of perceptions of critical thinking. However, some perceptions of critical thinking are viewed differently for those of different BMIs and exercise frequency. Consequently, designing interventions specifically targeting those with higher BMIs, could work to erase these inequities.

Fitness, Fatness, and Academic Attainment in Male Schoolchildren from a Soccer Academy

This investigation explored the association between anthropometric measures, fitness, and academic attainment (mathematics and science grade point average [GPA]) in male schoolchildren from a soccer academy. Thirty-one males (age: 10.3 ± 1.19 years; body mass: 41.7 ± 6.5 kg; height: 1.43 ± 0.07 m; body mass index (BMI): 20.2 ± 2.8 kg/m2) participated. Body mass, body fat percentage (%BF), and BMI were used as measures of anthropometry. The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (level 1), squat and counter-movement jumps (SJ and CMJ), static balance, 10 and 15 m sprint, and a T-half test for change-of-direction (CoD) performance were used to measure fitness parameters. The GPA of mathematics and science determined academic attainment. All physical performance tests showed excellent relative reliability. ICC was between 0.87 (10 m sprint) and 1.00 (15 m sprint, CMJ). Regarding correlations between fatness and academic attainment, we found three correlations of practical value (r > 0.5), but only for mathematics (BMI: r = 0.540, subscapular skinfold: r = 0.589, body fat: r = 0.560). Mathematics was relevantly correlated with 15 m sprint (r = 0.574) and Yo-Yo IR1 test (r = 0.770). Only static balance (r = 0.428) did not reach the relevance criteria (r > 0.5). Science only showed large correlations with static balance (r = 0.620) and Yo-Yo IR1 test (r = 0.730). In conclusion, fatness and fitness are related to academic attainment in schoolchildren. In addition, except for static balance, all physical performance parameters were relevantly (r > 0.5) correlated with mathematics.

Association of Academic Performance With Obesity and Unhealthy Lifestyle Among Female University Students

Aim

This study aims to examine the relationship between obesity and academic performance and to investigate the relevance between an unhealthy lifestyle and academic performance, which may exist among obese and non-obese female students in the College of Science and College of Medicine of Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University.

Method

The study is observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional in nature and covers a sample of 328 female students aged 19 to 23 years. They were randomly selected from the College of Science and College of Medicine. Sample collection was conducted from December 12, 2020 to June 15, 2021.

Results

The result indicates that obesity did not influence academic performance. The association between obesity and academic performance was non-significant (p = 0.335). In the College of Science, grades in physics and math were analyzed, which reflected a weak association with obesity (p = 0.893 and p = 0.872, respectively). Various factors exerted a positive impact on academic performance, such as eating yogurt at least 1-5 times per week (p < 0.05) and spending less than 4 hours on social media or watching TV (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Academic performance is influenced by many factors. Eating yogurt more frequently and watching TV and less time for social media are the factors with the largest influence on academic performance. However, obesity does not influence academic performance. In summary, physical activity and a healthy diet exerted no direct effect on academic performance.

Association of BMI, Physical Activity with Academic Performance among Female Students of Health Colleges of King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia

Body mass index (BMI) is an indicator to detect weight category and known to influence the academic achievements of students. The present study assesses the association of BMI, physical activity with academic performance among undergraduate female students of health colleges, King Khalid University (KKU). Responses from 379 participants were analyzed in the study. Data collection was done by administering an online questionnaire using the university website portal. The questionnaire consists of two sections: the first section includes demographic information along with cumulative Grade point average (GPA) and another section rated student's physical activity. A high frequency of respondents (53.6%) ranged within the normal BMI category. For academic performance, the majority (79.9%) of students reported high GPA scores with a mean of 4.28 ± 0.41. Upon correlation, academic performance was found negatively correlated with BMI at 0.0001 level of significance, and insignificantly correlated with physical activity. The present study observed that more than half of the respondents had normal BMI. An inverse relationship was observed between BMI and academic performance, showing participants within the normal BMI category achieved significantly higher GPA. In contrast, physical activity directly influenced the academic performance of the subjects. Therefore, the study suggests to enact counselling centers, health clubs in universities urging the students to adopt regular exercise and healthy lifestyle which could prepare them in achieving future endeavors.

Psychosocial health of adolescents in relation to underweight, overweight/obese status: the EU NET ADB survey

BACKGROUND

Both deviations from normal weight, namely, underweight and overweight/obese status, have been inversely associated with psychosocial health in adolescents. This study aimed to examine the relationship between psychosocial health and body mass index (BMI) among adolescents in five European countries, while assessing the effect of sociodemographic variables.

METHODS

A cross-sectional school-based study of adolescents aged 14-17.9 years was conducted in the framework of the European Network for Adolescent Addictive Behavior survey. Self-reported questionnaires from Greece, Iceland, the Netherlands, Romania and Spain were used for the current analysis. Associations between Youth Self-Report (YSR) scales and BMI status were investigated by multiple logistic regression analysis. The effect of sociodemographic variables was also measured.

RESULTS

Τhe sample consisted of 7005 adolescents aged 14-17.9 years. Borderline/clinical scores on some YSR scales were independently associated with overweight/obesity, specifically total problems (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.18-1.96), internalizing ( OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.16-1.91), externalizing (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.10-1.68), social (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.19-2.35) and thought problems (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.20-2.20). Among subscales, overweight/obesity specifically correlated with anxiety/depression (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.33-2.51), withdrawal/depression (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.02-2.48) and rule-breaking behavior (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.15-2.08). Underweight was associated with problems on activities (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.01-1.68) and withdrawal/depression (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.27-3.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower levels of psychosocial health are associated with both deviations from normal weight. These findings suggest the need for health policies that target health habits and lifestyle, as well as positive attitudes towards the body image, with respect to the different psychosocial characteristics of each body weight status category.

Analysis of perceptual, psychological, and behavioral factors that affect the academic performance of education university students

The aim of this study was the effect of different perceptual, psychological, and behavioural factors in the academic performance of university students. A total of 172 students (23.5 ± 5.4 years) were recruited. Physical activity patterns, nutritional habits, personality factors, perceptions of difficulty, expected grade, grade average, and academic performance of students were analyzed. No significant differences were found in physical activity levels in relation to academic performance. Significant differences were found in the agreeableness domain in relation to higher academic performance, higher perception of healthy diet and higher body mass index values. With these results we can conclude that university student with higher academic performance were characterized by higher levels of agreeableness, perception of healthy diet and body mass index.

Influence of eating habits and alcohol consumption on the academic performance among a university population in the community of Madrid: A pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between dietary habits and alcohol consumption on academic performance among university students.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

University located in Madrid, Spain.

PARTICIPANTS

56 university students of nursing (45 women and 11 men). The study complies with the Helsinki Declaration and was approved by the University Ethics Committee (36/2018).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Dietary intake and habits assessed with validated survey, alcohol consumption and academic performance.

ANALYSIS

Chi-square test, Student's t-test, ANOVA analysis, Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis analysis and Shapiro-Wilk test.

RESULTS

The average daily energy intake of the students was 1918 ± 725 kcal and, on average, alcohol accounted for 6%. The increased energy contribution from alcohol was negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI). Moreover, an inverse association was also found in alcohol intake according to Body Mass Index (BMI) (p < 0.02). Students with failing grades (53.6%) reported a higher daily alcohol intake than those who passed (42.2 %) (32 g/day versus 24 g/day) (p = 0.043).

CONCLUSIONS

Alcohol consumption is related to both poor academic performance as well as diminished quality of life. Thus, it is of vital importance to undertake awareness campaigns at various levels to dissuade alcohol consumption especially at early ages.

Sex and racial/ethnic differences in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among U.S. college students, 2011-2015

To investigate sex and racial/ethnic differences in overweight and obesity in college students. Participants: A nationally representative sample of 319,342 U.S. college students (mean age = 20.4 years; 67.7% female) from Fall 2011 to Spring 2015. Methods: A secondary data analysis of multi-year cross-sectional data was performed. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine factors (e.g. cumulative grade average, year in school, and living place) associated with overweight and obesity determined from BMI calculated by self-reported height and weight. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was significantly higher for both sexes in Spring 2015 than in Fall 2011. Significant differences were found in overweight and obesity by sex and race/ethnicity. Higher adjusted odds ratios for overweight and obesity were observed for men, blacks, and Hispanics (compared to whites). Asians had the lowest adjusted odds of overweight and obesity. Conclusions: Intervention strategies for the prevention and management of overweight and obesity in U.S. college students should consider sex and racial/ethnic inequalities.

The Relationship between Overweight/Obesity and Executive Control in College Students: The Mediating Effect of BDNF and 5-HT

The main aim of this study was to explore the association between overweight/obesity and executive control (EC) in young adults, and to further analyze the mediating effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)) on the relationship between overweight/obesity and EC. A total of 449 college students aged between 18 and 20 years were recruited for the study between March and December 2019. Their height and weight were then measured professionally. Subsequently, body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight (kg) divided by the square of height (m). The EC of the participants was then estimated using the Flanker task, while their serum BDNF levels and 5-HT levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Finally, the multiple intermediary models in SPSS were used to analyze the mediating effect of 5-HT and BDNF between overweight/obesity and EC. The result show that the overweight/obesity of college students was positively correlated with the response of EC (p ≤ 0.005). However, it was negatively correlated with BDNF (p ≤ 0.05) and 5-HT (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, BDNF (p ≤ 0.001) and 5-HT (p ≤ 0.001) were negatively correlated with the response of EC. The BDNF level played a partial mediating role between overweight/obesity and EC that accounted for 7.30% of the total effect value. Similarly, the 5-HT of college students played a partial mediating role between overweight/obesity and EC that accounted for 8.76% of the total effect value. Gender and age had no regulatory effect on the relationship between overweight/obesity, BDNF, 5-HT, and EC. This study provides the evidence that 5-HT and BDNF mediated the association between overweight/obesity and executive control. It is indicated that 5-HT and BDNF might be the biological pathways underpinning the link between overweight/obesity and executive control.

Hayes L, Cadenas-Sanchez C. Relationship between fatness, physical fitness, and academic performance in normal weight and overweight schoolchild handball players in Qatar State

The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between physiological parameters (namely fatness and physical fitness) with academic performance (namely mathematics and science grade point average [GPA]) in normal weight and overweight schoolchild handball players. Thirty-six young male team handball players (age: 9±1 years; body mass: 45.5±14.2 kg; height: 1.38±9.1 m; body fat: 19.7±5.6%) at the highest national league for their age group participated. Anthropometry was examined by measuring body mass, body fat percentage (%BF), and body mass index (BMI). Fitness testing included the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (level 1), squat jumps (SJ) and counter-movement jumps (CMJ), and upper-limb throwing performance (2 kg medicine ball seated front throw), a 15 m sprint test, and a T-half test for change-of-direction (COD) ability. Academic performance was evaluated through school records of grade point average (GPA) of mathematics and science. BMI was negatively correlated with science GPA (r = -0.57, p<0.001) and mathematics GPA (r = -0.39, p<0.001). Significant correlations between Yo-Yo test performance and science GPA (r = 0.73, p<0.001) and mathematics GPA (r = 0.66, p<0.001) existed. T-half test score (less time taken meant a superior performance) was negatively correlated with science GPA (r = 0.48, p = 0.003) and mathematics GPA (r = 0.63, p<0.01). In conclusion, fatness and physical fitness (except for the upper-muscular strength) were significantly related to academic performance in in schoolchild handball players. Based on results of this study, it seems pragmatic and appropriate to engage young schoolchild in physical activity as it associates with superior academic performance.

Physical and Psychological Effects Related to Food Habits and Lifestyle Changes Derived from Covid-19 Home Confinement in the Spanish Population

As a consequence of COVID-19, millions of households have suffered mobility restrictions and changes in their lifestyle over several months. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 home confinement on the food habits, lifestyle and emotional balance of the Spanish population. This cross-sectional study used data collected via an anonymous online questionnaire during the month before lockdown finished in Spain, with a total of 675 participants. 38.8% of the respondents experienced weight gain while 31.1% lost weight during confinement. The increase in body weight was positively correlated with age (Rs = 0.14, p < 0.05) and BMI (Rs = 0.20, p < 0.05). We also identified that 39.7% reported poorer quality sleep, positively correlated with BMI (Rs = -0.18, p < 0.05) and with age (Rs = -0.21, p < 0.05). 44.7% of the participants had not performed physical exercise during confinement with differences by sex (p < 0.05), by age (p < 0.05), by BMI (p < 0.05) and by sleep quality (p < 0.05). According to an emotional-eater questionnaire, 21.8% and 11% were classified as an emotional eater or a very emotional eater, respectively. We emphasize the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle, as the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing.

Accuracy of self-reported BMI using objective measurement in high school students

Self-reported measures for body mass index (BMI) are considered a limitation in research design, especially when they are a primary outcome. Studies have found some populations to be quite accurate when self-reporting BMI; however, there is mixed research on the accuracy of self-reported measurements in adolescents. The aim of this study is to examine the accuracy of self-reported BMI by comparing it with measured BMI in a sample of U.S. adolescents and to understand gender differences. This cross-sectional study collected self-reported height and weight measurements of students from five high schools in four states (Tennessee, South Dakota, Kansas and Florida). Trained researchers took height and weight of students for an objective measurement. BMI was calculated from both sources and categorized (underweight, normal, overweight and obese) using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's BMI-for-age percentiles. Participants (n 425; 51⋅0 % female) had a mean age of 16⋅3 years old, and the majority were White (47⋅5 %). Limits of agreement (LOA) analysis revealed that BMI and weight were underreported, and height was overreported in the overall sample, in females, and in males. LOA analysis was fair for BMI in all three groups. Overall agreement in BMI categorisation was considered substantial (Κ 0⋅71, P < 0⋅001). As BMI increased, more height and weight inaccuracies led to decreased accuracy in BMI categorisation, and the specificity of obese participants was low (50⋅0 %). This study's findings suggest that using self-reported values to categorize BMI is more accurate than using continuous BMI values when self-reported measures are used in health-related interventions.

Factors influencing the National License Examination step 1 score in preclinical medical students

The National License Examination step 1 (NLE1), which tests basic medical sciences knowledge in Thailand, is considered to be tough and stressful for medical students due to the large amount of content. This study aimed to determine factors influencing the NLE1 score (NLE1S). The NLE1S, academic achievement, and class attendance were obtained officially. Other factors, including study habits, were obtained via a questionnaire, with 81.97% (241/294) being returned. Students were divided into four groups according to the central passing score and Z-score of the NLE1S, including the fail (<52%; n = 13), low-pass (52 to <70%; n = 121), high-pass (70 to <80%; n = 89), and excellent (≥80%; n = 18) groups. Men had higher NLE1S (P < 0.001) and comprehensive examination scores (P < 0.001) than women. Students with high motivation to study medicine had higher NLE1S. Daily preparation time (h/day) was lower, but stress was higher, in the fail group. In the excellent group, internet for academic use and achievement of study targets were higher; internet for nonacademic use, instance of absence, and stress were lower; and check-in time was earlier. The NLE1S had strong positive correlations with the comprehensive examination score and academic achievement during preclinical studies. By setting the NLE1S as a dependent variable in multivariate regression analyses, models of significant interactions were observed by setting behavioral factors, the comprehensive examination score, and academic achievement during a regular class as independent variables. Thus exhibiting good study habits and showing good academic performance throughout preclinical studies should be encouraged among students to achieve a good NLE1S.

The association between obesity and academic performance in youth: a systematic review

Previous studies have found that obesity could influence academic performance. The aim of this study was to systematically review the scientific evidence on the association between obesity and academic performance in school children. A systematic review of English articles was undertaken by using databases PubMed/Medline, ERIC, LILACS, SciELO and Web of Science. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies examining the association between obesity and academic performance in children and adolescents, published between January 1990 and December 2016, were included. Risk of bias was assessed by using Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology. Thirty-four studies (23 cross-sectional and 11 longitudinal) matched all inclusion criteria and were included. Seven studies were classified as low risk of bias, 23 as medium risk and four as high risk. After controlling for covariates such as socio-economic status, parental education and physical activity, the association between obesity and academic performance becomes uncertain for most of the studies (55.9%). Therefore, at present, there is insufficient evidence to support a direct link between obesity and poor academic performance in school age children. In order to clarify this issue, we need more longitudinal studies with adequate sample sizes and that control for potential confounders.